preposition

beside

bih-SYDE/bɪˈsaɪd/

At one side of something.

The woman sits beside her friend in the neighboring chair.

Two chairs stand directly beside each other on simple floor, one occupied by woman and one by friend, unmistakably next to.

Etymology

The pieces preserve the literal phrase “by the side of.” A person's flank, or the side of an object, supplies the reference point for describing something immediately next to it.

In context

KAI Manhwa Recap107:17

The two of us got out. The academy had sent a shuttle car to the main gate, and a young staff member stood beside it, his manner very attentive

He Got an SSSSSSSSS-Rank PLANET as His Starting Territory... 20x the Size of Earth!-7

More examples

Our cottage looks tiny beside the neighboring mansion.
That complaint is beside the point of this discussion.
He sits beside his sister during the concert.

Similar words

near: Does not necessarily mean directly at the side.
alongside: Often suggests parallel position or cooperative activity.